Arsenal wants Illarramendi

Asier Illarramendi could feature on Arsenal's radar, according to several English newspapers. The offer from the 'Gunners' would be around the ¤12 million mark, a sum rejected by Real Sociedad. The important role he played at Real Sociedad in securing its fourth la Liga spot and his superb performance in the European U-21 Championship has brought him to the attention of the footballing world.

News of Arsenal's possible interest in Illarramendi comes in addition to the desire shown by Barcelona and Real Madrid to sign Íñigo Martínez. Both footballers have had an outstanding season and were also two of the best players in the Spanish national under-21 side.

Illarramendi is one of the cornerstones of the Real Sociedad project. In fact, he has the longest contract in the first team line-up - ending on 30th June 2018. His was the first major renewal made by the president, Aperribay, who subsequently safeguarded the rest of the players in his current squad.

On 18th November, Illarra committed to Real Sociedad for the next six seasons. "I don't get carried away by all the praise. I really liked Real Sociedad's project and I can't see myself with any other team. I'm really happy here and very excited about the future, I feel appreciated", the player has commented on several occasions.